GRATITUDE IN BOX-FULLS AND A CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION

16 days to go before I move. I am surrounded by boxes that I began packing so long ago that I have quite forgotten what is in them. When I unpack it will be like a feast of rediscovery of all my precious things. In my mind I obsessively fantasize about my new flat and mentally arrange my furniture.
Today is my daughter’s 15th birthday and I am beyond grateful to God that yesterday, when she returned to boarding school for the new term and came to say goodbye to me, I told her I love her and she replied that she loves me too. My heart was fit to burst.

Today is also the 1 year anniversary of the day I left my rehab facility. It has been a long and bumpy ride, but my whole being sings with gratitude for my sobriety and my new-found sense of serenity – this in the midst of many things that, before, would have sent me into a fug of misery and self-pity.

The current tenants are threatening to refuse to move out of the flat. I have handed this dilemma over to the lawyers and trust that they will resolve the issue with the seller. I remain positive that the keys to my new home will be handed to me on the first of August and that my life will then begin an exciting new chapter.
Ally seems to be aware that a significant change is afoot; she is staying close to me all the time – sleeping snugly against my shoulder at night and winding herself around my feet during the day. At other times she sits on top of a wardrobe and watches my every move.

I worry that the removal men will not be gentle with some of my things – especially my pot plants – but plan to beg and plead with them and to bribe them with handsome tips.

I am happy today and that is more than enough.
Namaste.Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.Melody Beattie

And thank you to all of you, my dear friends, for always being there for me. I love you.

Cindy, I don’t know the whole story, but one thing I do know is that you are a remarkable woman. I believe that God is going to use you in the new apartment block, and I know that He is going to bless you beyond your expectations. Congratulations on your one-yer anniversary.

I am doing a little happy dance in my chair for you Cindy. What a remarkable journey you have travelled, especially this last year and I have no doubt you will have your keys on time. 😀
Wishing your daughter a very happy 15th birthday today.
Much love and light to you,
🙂 Mandy xo

Your excitement shines through, Cin. I’m sure Ally is going to love her new home. She is gorgeous. Happy birthday to your daughter too. Just think in a few weeks time, you’ll be all moved and settled in. 🙂 xx

Wow , what an inspiration and how happy to hear your news regarding Chelsy. I too am moving to a new life on my own on 1 August. Am very blessed to have HIS grace and peace engulf me . Life is and will remain good for you, this much I know.

I’m so proud of how far you’ve come in this past year, Cindy. You are an incredible woman with much beauty and wisdom to share with the world. Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness. Love you, my friend!

That’s very precious getting an, ‘I love you’, from your 15 year old daughter. I remember when my daughter was that age and she was very prickly. I do hope the move goes well, that the tenants leave and that the removalists are kind to your things. We’ve moved a few times in the past few years and there always seems to be damage done – it’s very annoying xx

I love the way you are so positive. It’s the most fabulous news about your daughter. I know that is the most important thing. I hope you move goes easily and quickly. Poor Kitty might be worried that you are going to leave her.

I’m so happy ‘cos you’re so happy, Cin. May your move run smoothly, my friend. Ally looks very wise and I’m sure she’ll adapt easily. Don’t forget to butter her feet when you’ve moved, so that when she licks the butter off she gets the scent of her new home. ♥

Your daughter is the sweetheart her mother raised. Both of you have come through a rich patch. Forgiveness and understanding are two more virtues she can now tuck into her soul.

Ally certainly knows there’s a change a-brewin’ with every signal from you. May sound silly, but reassure her you two are sticking together. Then see if you notice her relax. I told Duc I was tired of cleaning his smorgasbord of unmentionables off the rubber mat by the door. He has not dropped and dined there since. Amazing.

And here I arrive, very late! Apologies, Cindy- it is really fabulous to see the boxes packed and a new flat waiting to recieve you and Ally. All the best with the move. The Shrewsdays will be thinking of you on August 1. I have been keeping track of things of FB, so we’ll have a rough idea of how the move is going.

Good for you Cindy, on every level. All the very best for a swift and smooth move and big hug to you and Ally, as well as your special daughter. Sincere thanks also for sharing this profound quote by Melony Beattie, which I’ve printed out because it strikes such a true chord XO

Alice Waters Fan

I believe that how you eat, and how you choose your food, is an act which combines the political – your place in the world of other people – with the most intensely personal – the way you use your mind and your senses, together, for the gratification of your soul.